May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) warm up before the start of game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

'Totally Agree With Him' – Boston Celtics and NBA Fans Will be Excited With Kendrick Perkins’ Bold Prediction for 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 2:55 PM ET

All members of the Boston Celtics have reiterated during Media Day that they are still competing for an NBA championship this upcoming season, despite the absence of Jayson Tatum, who’s still recovering from a torn Achilles.

While many believe that there is a power vacuum in the Eastern Conference now that the Boston Celtics have a weaker roster on paper, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins thinks that his former team still has a puncher’s chance of contending because of Jaylen Brown.

“Jaylen Brown is gonna show the world that he belongs in the conversations that he can actually lead a team by himself. Derrick White is always a guy that’s knocking at the door being a borderline All-Star. Payton Pritchard, we know what he’s capable of doing, Sixth Man of the Year… Anfernee Simons is a proven 20-point scorer,” Perkins said on NBA on ESPN.

Mar 6, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla watches from the sideline as they take on the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

“We know what type of mindset Joe Mazzulla is coming in with. He loves these types of challenges. They’re going to be a force in the Eastern Conference until Jayson Tatum gets back. They’re going to be a top 6 seed in the East,” he added.

Boston Celtics News: Jaylen Brown pitches new gameplan for the team this upcoming season

During the Boston Celtics’ Media Day on Tuesday, Jaylen Brown emphasized the need for the team to play with a faster pace this upcoming season, as he believes that it plays to the strengths of their younger roster.

Nov 25, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after making the basket and being fouled by LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) (not pictured) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

“I want to play fast, play faster. But I’ve been saying that for a few years now. Some of the teams we saw in the Finals, they play fast. Indiana plays fast. OKC plays fast, and more and more teams play with that pace,” Brown told ClutchPoints’ Daniel Donabedian.

“That’s the pace I’ve always wanted to play at. Our personnel hasn’t always been able to suit that, but I think we’ll be able to play a little faster this year, and I’m excited about that,” he added.